News & Press Releases

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is currently accepting applications for the position of Reserve Deputy Sheriff. Applications will be accepted now through March 16, 2018. Applications may be picked up at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Administrative Division, Polk County River Place Building, 2309 Euclid Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa.

This is an unpaid, civic volunteer position offered to citizens who desire to perform community service and gain experience in law enforcement. There is no cost for the Reserve Deputy Training Program.

Applicants must meet requirements including but not limited to an intensive background investigation, polygraph examination, MMPI, psychological interview, health physical/drug screen and oral interview. Upon certification, reserve deputies are required to perform a minimum of 144 hours of service yearly, attend all in-service training to maintain state certification standards, attend six evening or six full Saturday certification trainings, and a 40 hour firearm qualification training.

This program is a unique opportunity for people age 21 and older to get involved and make a meaningful difference in the community. It also offers invaluable training and experience to those interested in learning about and entering the world of law enforcement.

Additional information about the Polk County Sheriff's Office Reserve Deputy Program can also be found online at

Iowa Law Enforcement Officers will increase their presence in the Johnston/Grimes area of western Polk County on Wednesday, February 21, 2018, for an event organized by the Central Iowa Traffic Safety Task Force, (CITSTF), and Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau, (GTSB).

Law Enforcement Officers from many central Iowa jurisdictions will be enforcing all traffic laws while paying close attention to seatbelt usage, excessive speeding, and other traffic violations.

Statistics show that wearing seat belts saves lives and following traffic laws reduces the number and severity of motor vehicle accidents. Following the posted speed limits gets you to your destination safely. These projects are intended to raise awareness of safe driving habits in order to save lives.

Certain divisions of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office will be closed on Monday, February 19, 2018, in observance of President’s Day. Services that will be interrupted include the processing of weapons permits, access to public information and records, video visitation at the Polk County Jail lobby, as well as duties of the Civil Division and Court Services Division.

There will be no video visitation at the Polk County Jail in the lobby Monday, February 19, 2018. The schedule for remote (internet service) visits with inmates at the Polk County Jail will be available through www.iwebvisit.com.

The Polk County Sheriff's Office is accepting applications for the position of Detention Officer through March 23, 2018. If you or someone you know is interested in joining our team, you may apply online at:

Iowa Law Enforcement Officers will increase their presence in Altoona, Iowa, on Friday, January 19, 2018, for an event organized by the Central Iowa Traffic Safety Task Force, (CITSTF), and Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau, (GTSB).

Law Enforcement Officers from many central Iowa jurisdictions will be enforcing all traffic laws while paying close attention to seatbelt usage, excessive speeding, and other traffic violations.

Statistics show that wearing seat belts saves lives and following traffic laws reduces the number and severity of motor vehicle accidents. Following the posted speed limits gets you to your destination safely. These projects are intended to raise awareness of safe driving habits in order to save lives.

Certain divisions of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office will be closed on Monday, January 15, 2018, in observance of Martin Luther King Day. Services that will be interrupted include the processing of weapons permits, access to public information and records, video visitation at the Polk County Jail lobby, as well as duties of the Civil Division and Court Services Division.

There will be no video visitation at the Polk County Jail in the lobby Monday, January 15, 2018. The schedule for remote (internet service) visits with inmates at the Polk County Jail will be available through www.iwebvisit.com .

This switch to the new State of Iowa-printed cards is optional. This was not stated clearly in the previous release. The Polk County Sheriff's Office wanted to get the word out that the new cards were available and have all Polk County cardholders possessing uniform permits. The previously issued cards are still valid until the renewal date. We apologize for any confusion this may have caused.

Effective July 1, 2017, The State of Iowa took over the printing of Permit to Carry or Acquire cards for all the Counties. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has received the cards printed by the State of Iowa that will replace the cards that were issued by us between July 1, 2017, and December 31, 2017.

Citizens of Polk County that were issued Permit to Carry or Acquire cards from July 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017, need to come to Polk County Field Headquarters, 6023 NE 14th St, to exchange their old card for the new State of Iowa-printed card. The normal business hours for Polk County Field Headquarters are Monday through Friday, from 8:00am until 4:30pm.

Between renewals and replacement cards, there are over 3,000 cards to be issued. Again, this is for Polk County residents only.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office understands the busy schedules of the community and will be open onSaturday, January 20, 2018 from 9:00am until 2:00pm, at Polk County Field Headquarters, 6023 NE 14th St. to specifically switch out current permits of Polk County residents for the new ones that fall into the July 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017, timeframe.

If you have any questions regarding you Permit to Carry in Polk County, please call 515-286-3306.

Certain divisions of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office will be closed on Monday, January 1, 2018, in observance of New Year’s Day. Services that will be interrupted include the processing of weapons permits, access to public information and records, video visitation at the Polk County Jail lobby, as well as duties of the Civil Division and Court Services Division.

There will be no video visitation at the Polk County Jail in the lobby Monday, January 1, 2018. The schedule for remote (internet service) visits with inmates at the Polk County Jail will be available through www.iwebvisit.com .

PCSO Offices Closed Friday, December 22nd, 2017, and Monday, December 25th, 2017 in Observance of the Holiday Weekend

Certain divisions of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office will be closed on Friday, December 22nd, and Monday, December 25th, 2017, in observance of the Christmas holiday. Services that will be interrupted include the processing of weapons permits, access to public information and records, video visitation at the Polk County Jail lobby, as well as duties of the Civil Division and Court Services Division.

There will be no video visitation at the Polk County Jail in the lobby Sunday, December 24th or Monday, December 25th. The schedule for remote (internet service) visits with inmates at the Polk County Jail will be available through www.iwebvisit.com.

Announcement Regarding Automated Traffic Enforcement Vehicles For The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Not Being Renewed

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has made the decision to decline renewing our agreement for Automated Traffic Enforcement, effective December 18th, 2017. Our original intent was to implement a program that would enhance Public Safety by lowering the speed of traffic, and reducing serious traffic accidents resulting in fatalities which are in large part due to accidents in collisions at high-speeds, especially 10 mph or more above the speed limit.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office feels the ATEV program provided value, met our goal of slowing down traffic, and reducing both serious collisions and fatalities. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office and GATSO U.S.A., the company providing the ATEV service, have had a positive working relationship throughout the duration of the program. After careful thought and discussion with the Polk County Attorney and Polk County Board of Supervisors, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office feels the best decision, at this time, is to let the existing agreement expire without renewal. As always, we will closely follow traffic speeds in our jurisdiction, unsafe traffic conditions, and especially the number of serious accidents resulting in fatalities. We reserve the right to reinstitute the Automated Traffic Enforcement program, if deemed necessary, in the future. It was always our intent to continually evaluate and analyze the ATEV program upon its implementation, and at this time, we feel our goals were met by slowing down speeders, reducing fatalities, and making drivers more conscious of their speed in a way to enhance safety on our streets.

The process of monitoring and issuing ATEV citations will continue until December 18th, 2017, and all outstanding citations will be collected.

Certain divisions of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office will be closed on Thursday, November 23rd, and Friday, November 24th, 2017, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Services that will be interrupted include the processing of weapons permits, access to public information and records, video visitation at the Polk County Jail lobby, as well as duties of the Civil Division and Court Services Division.

The schedule for remote (internet service) visits with inmates at the Polk County Jail will be available through www.iwebvisit.com .

At around 2:30am on Friday, November 17, 2017, Polk County Deputies responded to The Lumber Yard, 1504 NE 54th Ave, on a possible stabbing. Deputies responded to the location and found the victim, Moses Salamanca, age 30, of Urbandale, with an apparent non-life-threatening puncture wound to the arm. Salamanca was treated at the scene and refused further medical attention.

One subject was initially taken into custody. After further investigation, the individual was subsequently released.

Polk County Detectives are continuing the investigation and there will be updated press releases when new information is available.

TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT PROJECT IN CENTRAL POLK COUNTY ON NOVEMBER 17, 2017

November 14th, 2017

Polk County, Iowa

Iowa Law Enforcement Officers will increase their presence in the area of central Polk County on Friday, November 17, 2017, for an event organized by the Central Iowa Traffic Safety Task Force, (CITSTF), and Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau, (GTSB).

Law Enforcement Officers from many central Iowa jurisdictions will be enforcing all traffic laws while paying close attention to seatbelt usage and other traffic violations.

Statistics show that wearing seat belts saves lives and following traffic laws reduces the number and severity of motor vehicle accidents. These projects are intended to raise awareness of safe driving habits in order to save lives.

At approximately 7:45am on November 13th, 2017, Polk County Deputies were dispatched to NE 108th St and NE University (HWY 163) on a two-vehicle crash with injuries.

A gold 4-door sedan was headed southbound on NE 108th St, entered the traffic lane of westbound NE University Ave and collided with a semi. The male driver of the sedan had to be extricated from the vehicle. The male passenger was able to exit the vehicle on his own. Both the driver and passenger were transported by ambulance to local hospitals.

The name of both the driver and passenger, and their medical conditions, are not being released at this time.

Polk County Deputies are currently continuing the investigation.

When new information presents itself, there will be an updated release.

Certain divisions of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office will be closed on Friday, November 10, 2017 in observance of Veteran’s Day. Services that will be interrupted include the processing of weapons permits, access to public information and records, as well as duties of the Civil Division and Court Services Division.

The schedule for remote (internet service) visits with inmates at the Polk County Jail will be available through www.iwebvisit.com .

The driver of the SUV has been identified as 28-year-old Des Moines resident Enrique Limon. Limon died at the hospital due to his injuries.

There are no more scheduled updates at this time.

###

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Investigating Roll-Over Crash

At approximately 7:45am on November 1st, 2017, Polk County Deputies were dispatched to the 80.1-mile marker of the HWY 65 Bypass on a roll-over crash with injuries.

Deputies determined that a gold SUV was travelling northbound on HWY 65 when the driver lost control and rolled the vehicle in the east ditch. The driver of the vehicle was ejected and was air-lifted to Methodist Hospital.

The name of the driver and his condition are not being released at this time.

Polk County Deputies are currently continuing the investigation, with excessive speed as a possible contributing factor.

When new information presents itself, there will be an updated release.

At approximately 4:30am on October 19th, 2017, Polk County Deputies attempted to stop a 1996 Mercury Tracer in the 2700 block of NE 51st Ct. for a traffic violation. The driver did not stop and a pursuit was initiated. The vehicle continued towards I-235 at a low rate of speed until reaching I-235 Westbound, where it exceeded the speed limit until reaching the 31st St. exit in Des Moines. The Deputies were able to stop the vehicle on 31st St. just south of the interstate and the driver of the vehicle was taken into custody.

Jenny Joann Hass, 27, of Des Moines, was charged with the following:

Valid Probation Violation Warrant

Valid Criminal Trespass Warrant

Eluding

Possession of Methamphetamine

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Driving While Barred

Polk County was assisted by the Des Moines Police Department and the Iowa State Patrol during the event.

The Iowa Chapter of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) is hosting a Coffee with a Cop event. This is an opportunity for the community to learn about NOBLE's purpose and ask law enforcement officials the questions that affect their neighborhoods.

Scammers are still contacting citizens stating they have a warrant for their arrest and are using the names of current Polk County Sheriff’s Office employees, telling them they need to pay a sum of money to avoid being arrested. THIS IS NOT THE PROCEDURE FOR TAKING CARE OF WARRANTS. As a general rule, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office does not discuss or take care of valid warrants over the telephone.

If you receive calls similar to these, DO NOT follow the instructions given, but contact Polk County Dispatch at (515) 286-3333 or your local law enforcement agency to report the receipt of these types of calls. Be diligent and aware that there are individuals that will represent themselves under false pretenses for personal gain.

Polk County Sheriff's Offices Closed Monday, September 4th, 2017 for Labor Day

Certain divisions of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office will be closed on Monday, September 4th, 2017, in observance of Labor Day. Services that will be interrupted include visitation at the Polk County Jail, the processing of weapons permits, access to public information and records, as well as duties of the Civil Division.

Video visitation for inmates at the Polk County Jail will not be available September 4th. However, the schedule for remote (internet service) visits will be available through www.iwebvisit.com .

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is announcing the swearing-in ceremony for 18 new Deputy Sheriffs.

Polk County Sheriff Bill McCarthy will be administering the Oath of Office for 18 new Deputy Sheriffs at 9:00am on Thursday, March 30th, 2017, at River Place, 2309 Euclid Avenue in Des Moines. The new Deputies are a part of the Polk County Master Courts Project that was approved through referendum by Polk County voters on November 5th, 2013.

Certain divisions of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office will be closed Monday, February 15, 2016. Services that will be interrupted include visitation at the Polk County Jail, the processing of weapons permits, access to public information and records, as well as duties of the Civil Division.

Video visitation for inmates at the Polk County Jail will not be available February 15th. However, the schedule for remote (internet service) visits will be available through www.iwebvisit.com.

Under general supervision ensures the protection, welfare, safety, custody and control of inmates incarcerated in the Polk County Jail.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is currently accepting applications for the position of Detention Officer. Applications will be accepted now through April 15, 2015. A complete, detailed job description for this position is available on the Polk County Human Resources website: http://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/hr/job-opportunities/

DEADLINE: Applicants must submit an online application and required documents by April 15, 2015.